The pretty North York Coast fishing town where Captain James Cook honed his sailing skills, Whitby offers a brilliant blend of seaside charm, heaps of history — including the ruined abbey which inspired ‘Dracula’ — and a lively vibe, with cafes and shops aplenty. This is also an excellent base for hikers eager to explore the North York Moors. Accommodation options range from historic coastal inns to elegantly restored farmhouses, catering to a whole host of budgets and tastes. Many of the best places to stay in Whitby are small, family-run and surprisingly affordable, making it an attractive choice for a seaside holiday.

Visitors in search of the quintessential British coastal escape will be thrilled by Whitby’s miles of golden Blue Flag beaches, the lovely Victorian promenade, and the abundance of fresh seafood. Split in the middle by the River Esk, Whitby is a town of two halves: the fishing port of East Cliff to one side, and the elegant Victorian seaside resort of West Cliff – home to amusement arcades, luxurious historic guesthouses and the famous Whitby Beach – on the other. Stay in West Cliff for impressive views over the town and Whitby Abbey across the water, or venture to nearby Sandsend for a quieter beachfront escape.

Stroll the promenade, pop into the fun independent shops on Grape Lane, and perch in a seafront cafe for a cup of coffee or a delicious seafood lunch. Children will adore setting sail on a traditional wooden ship, trips on the steam railway, and a spot of crabbing in the rock pools by the shore.

If you’re in Whitby for the ghost stories, don’t miss St Mary’s Churchyard, packed with the gravestones of pirates, or a wander around the gaunt ruins of Whitby Abbey, which so fascinated Bram Stoker. Walking tours come highly recommended: there’s nothing like a ghost story in a foggy graveyard, is there?

Whether it’s the sandy beaches, the mysterious history of pirates and smugglers, or the proximity to the North York Moors National Park which have piqued your interest, the best places to stay in Whitby are all wonderfully cosy spots to soak up the area’s many marvels. And that’s without even mentioning the lure of endless fish and chips!

The best places to stay in Whitby

For historic Whitby town

• The White Horse and Griffin is one of Whitby’s most iconic properties. A 17th century East Cliff coaching inn, it has played host to the likes of Charles Dickens and Captain James Cook, who recruited his crew members here. Its ten quirkily-shaped rooms and suites brim with original features and a mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings, whilst the atmospheric dining room has a great bistro menu and a buzzy vibe. A charming historic choice on one of Whitby’s oldest streets.
• La Rosa Hotel is an Aladdin’s cave of vintage treasures, housed in what was once Lewis Carroll’s favourite Whitby boarding house. Not one for minimalists, this characterful little B&B offers eight themed rooms — from Parisian ‘Sacré Coeur’ to Dracula-inspired ‘Stoker’ — and striking views over the Gothic Abbey and Whitby town. A wacky choice, with breakfast served in picnic hampers and a terrific afternoon tea to top things off. Also great value.

For foodies

• Estbek House offers five light and airy Georgian bedrooms in the seaside village of Sandsend. Foodies will adore the fantastic restaurant — the first on the Yorkshire Coast to have been awarded 2 AA Rosettes. Dishes feature fresh, local ingredients prepared by co-owner Tim, and the hotel takes pride in its collection of rare Australian and NZ wines. A superb foodie pick in a spectacular beachfront spot!

For a rural escape

• Broom House is an elegant Victorian farmhouse turned B&B, nestled just outside Whitby at Egton Bridge. Its eight characterful bedrooms boast beautiful views of the moors and luxurious modern bathrooms. Guests are greeted with afternoon tea, there are hearty breakfasts and two good pubs within a 10 minute walk for lovely dinners. Book the garden-facing Cottage Suite for extra privacy. Pretty, peaceful and well-located.
• Eighteen 97 is a charming stone cottage on the edge of the North York Moors, with three chic bedrooms and smart ensuite bathrooms. A family-owned boutique B&B, this is a great pick for walkers, offering indulgent breakfasts, a cosy sitting room with a open fire, and yummy picnics to take with you!

Prefer a holiday cottage or apartment?

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Leeds Bradford Airport and Newcastle International Airport are Whitby’s closest airports. Hop aboard the train to Scarborough and catch a bus from there to Whitby, if travelling from Leeds. Those arriving from Newcastle can take a direct train to Whitby. Each journey takes 3 - 3.5 hours.
• Alternatively, there are regular 6 hour trains from London to Scarborough, and buses from there to Whitby.
• This is, however, a wonderful region to explore by road. If you would like to hire a car, we suggest that you contact our online partner Rentalcars.
• The weather in Whitby is similar to that of the rest of Yorkshire, though perhaps a bit milder. Temperatures peak at around 18º - 20ºC during the summer months, whilst winters are rainy, with highs of 7ºC. Whitby is most popular with visitors during the summer months — when many choose to swim in the sea — but it’s also a lovely spring destination, if you appreciate an atmospheric fog.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in North York Moors National Park.
• Alternatively, check out our pick of the best places to stay in Yorkshire.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.